Best Paragliding Tours in Manali

What You Should Know More About Paragliding in Manali

• Q. What is paragliding?

  Paragliding is an adventure activity where you get to fly like a bird, only you take a flight with a wing called paraglider. A paraglider is a non-motorized inflatable wing which is launched into the air by only using pilot’s foot. The pilot is harnessed to the paraglider as he launches himself from the land to the wind and soars. It is absolutely safe and easy to learn.

• Q. When is the best time to visit Manali for paragliding?

  Manali is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for paragliding in India. It offers the best weather during the summer season to enjoy the sport of paragliding in its beautiful surroundings. The months from April to June are the best for paragliding. One must look to book Manali paragliding packages either in the early morning or late afternoon to have the best experience.

• Q. Which are the famous places for paragliding in Manali?

  The experience of flying like a free bird in Manali is one of the most unbelievable moments that you will enjoy in your lifetime. Due to its high altitude and vast open places with wonderful vistas, Manali is often hailed as the perfect place for paragliding. Some of the most famous places for paragliding in Manali are:

  • Solang Valley
  • Rohtang Pass
  • Bijli Mahadev
  • Marhi 
  • Kangra Valley

• Q. How is paragliding done?

  Paragliders are kind of an aircraft. They work on the same aerodynamic principles that are applied to keep Boeing aircraft in the sky. Paragliders are made from ripstop Nylon and high-stress Polyester fabric that help in easy launching and landing of the gliders.
  
  The pilot is harnessed with paraglider before he takes a flight. He deploys the paraglider before launching himself into the air. Thereafter, the winds take him to the sky and help him soar. The only process involved is that the pilot runs on a slope until he is lifted off the ground by the paraglider.
  
  However, if the glider fails to open completely, the launch is aborted. There is absolutely nothing to fear while trying this fun sport since the control always lies in the hands of the pilot.

• Q. How much does paragliding cost in Manali?

  The average cost of Manali paragliding packages ranges from INR 600 to INR 1800. The actual cost will depend on the package that you choose and whether you are going for a low fly, middle fly and high fly in Manali. These rates also vary with season and you can also choose for opting a cable car or gondola ride which may cost above the estimated cost for paragliding in Manali.

• Q. Is there any weight limitation for paragliding?

  The weight limit for paragliding is set by the paraglider itself. Usually, paragliders are designed to carry and handle heavy loads. The weight limit of paragliders depends on their size and shape as well. 
  
  Most paragliders easily handle a weight of 120 kg, including the weight of pilot and equipment. A tandem paraglider can support up to 250 kg of weight. The weight limit for paragliding also depends on the company that offers this interesting sport activity.

• Q. Is it safe to do paragliding in Manali?

  Paragliding in Manali is one of the most adventurous things to do and comes along with inherent risks of adventure. However, it is very much safe to enjoy this sport under the guidance of professional instructors. The tour operators in Manali are very much focussed on safety measures and also have an emergency medical crew on the spot. There are trained pilots to accompany you on the flight and thus its quite safe to do paragliding in Manali.

• Q. Is there any chance of emergency landing while paragliding?

  There is a risk involved in everything you do in life. However, it depends on the efficiency and skills of the pilot to keep paragliding as safely as he or she possibly can. The best thing about paragliding is that the pilot is always in control, from launch to landing. Paragliding is just like any other recreational activity.
  
  The cases of emergency landing in paragliding are quite rare. A landing emergency in Paragliding can only occur in three cases— pilot’s misjudgment, a technical glitch and lack of preparation. In any case, if the situation gets uncomfortable, one can make a landing anytime.

• Q. What are the different types(levels & time) of Paragliding in Manali?

  For paragliding tours in Manali, there are three kinds of flights which you can enjoy when you are there. These include three types of flights which are:

  • Short Flight: The duration is 2-5 minutes and you are taken to a height of 100-150 meter up against the slope
  • Medium Flight: The duration is 3-7 minutes and its in zig-zag motion but similar to small flight
  • High Flight: The duration is 20-30 minutes and it is for experienced paragliders only.

• Q. What are the other adventure sports in Manali?

  There are numerous adventure sports in Manali such as camping, trekking, rafting, skiing, downhill cycling, Jeep safari, zorbing, angling, fishing, river crossing, kayaking, and rock climbing.

• Q. At what different altitude we can experience Paragliding in Manali?

  To live the most captivating moments of paragliding in Manali, you can choose among the various categories of flights that are available. Nestled among the mountains, Manali offers you a flight from an altitude of 2500 metres to 3200 metres. The flights vary from place to place and offer different views of the landscape beneath ranging from mountain valleys, forests and lakes in Manali.

• Q. What kind of medical arrangements will be there if someone got injured?

  All the tour operators who undertake paragliding in Manali have a staff that is trained in first aid measures. They try to offer the best possible help in case of any medical exigencies.

• Q. How fit should I be for Paragliding?

  Men and women who are reasonably fit can easily learn paragliding. Fitness isn’t a major requirement for paragliding but it is recommended to not be overweight for comfort and safety purpose. Even so, a good majority of people are perfectly capable of flying via these gliders without any restriction.

• Q. What is solo paragliding & what is tandem paragliding?

  Solo paragliding is when you fly alone in a single paraglider and it requires prior training to go alone in the sky. One can fly solo in paragliding after 12 to 15 days of training. In tandem paragliding, two people can fly in a single paraglider. In tandem paragliding, one person is a trained paraglider who pilots and another person doesn’t have to do anything but just enjoy the experiences of flying like a bird in the sky.

• Q. What are the health issue limitations?

  There are no health limitations for paragliding. As long as you feel healthy yourself, it is absolutely alright to go paragliding. The sport is quite unique and in no way extreme, as portrayed by a lot of people. It is in fact, very healing for people who suffer from anxiety issues since the adrenaline secretes happy hormones in their brains. So, please, go ahead with this activity without any fear.

• Q. What is the usual paragliding height in Manali?

  The paragliding sessions in Manali take place at a height of approximately 2050 meters. The best place to go for paragliding in Manali is Solang Valley. A usual paragliding session lasts from 45 to 50 minutes in Manali.

• Q. Can I fly solo if I'm new to paragliding?

  You will need to take a course for paragliding which lasts for 10 to 15 days. After completing your training, you will be given a certificate and then you can take your solo flights in paragliding when you are in Manali. These courses are undertaken by professional instructors and teach you all the basics of the sport.

• Q. Can one capture his video while paragliding in Manali?

  Yes, you can absolutely capture a video of your paragliding adventure. You can either capture your whole experience with a selfie stick or ask your pilot to shoot the whole session via GoPro or a camera that could stick effortlessly on his or your helmet. The best way is to ask your pilot to capture the video for you. He will arrange it for you.

• Q. What is the minimum age to do paragliding?

  Paragliding is an extremely safe sport and can be enjoyed by anyone who is above the age of 15. However, it is advised to those who are suffering from any ailments like heart conditions, epilepsy etc to not try paragliding for their own safety.

• Q. What are the basic things to keep in mind before paragliding?

  Paragliding isn’t rocket science. It is a fun sport and is completely safe. Even so, here’s a list of all the things one should keep in mind while Paragliding-
  
  - Make sure that when you are running before the take-off, you do not stop or sit down. This causes an imbalance which might hurt you and your pilot, both.
  
  - Keep running until you soar high in the sky. In about 10 seconds, you leave the land and fly in the air.
  
  - Try not to lean forward during the session. When you lean too forward in your seat, it becomes difficult for your driver to handle the glider and maintain the balance. Enjoy your ride comfortably.
  
  - Don’t have heavy food right before your flight for obvious reasons. Since your body is not used to flying in an open sky, there are chances that you barf out all the food you have eaten a while ago. It is advisable to go for the session with an empty stomach.
  
  - There is a possibility that you might lose control before or during your paragliding session. Try to breathe and calm your muscles, in case you panic. It is absolutely safe to paraglide as your pilot will take care of the business.
  
  - Lastly, listen carefully to your pilot’s instructions. A good understanding with your pilot will make your paragliding experience a memorable one.

• Q. What type of clothing is required to do paragliding?

  There is no specific clothing required when you are going for paragliding tours in Manali. But people who are going for paragliding in Manali should carry some light jackets and woollen clothes. The paragliders are only advised to wear warm and thin T-shirts with comfortable shoes so that they can enjoy the experience at its best in Manali.

• Q. What all places can I see in Manali?

  Known as one of the most popular hill stations of North India, Manali is always flocked with tourists to explore its enchanting landscapes. Some of the popular places which you can see in Manali are:

  • Hadimba Temple
  • Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art
  • Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa & Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa
  • Manu Temple
  • Club House
  • Vashisht Hot Water Springs
  • Maa Sharvari Temple
  • Nehru Kund
  • Jogini Falls
  • Solang Valley

• Q. What are the different things apart from paragliding which can be done in Manali?

  Manali is often hailed as one of the most bustling hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. There is something for everyone and you can look forward to having a great time when you are in Manali.

  Some of the different things which you can try in apart from paragliding in Manali are:

  • Trekking
  • Rafting
  • Bike ride to Rohtang Pass
  • Hike to Beas Kund
  • Hampta Pass Trek
  • Zorbing
  • Sulphur water bath at Manikaran
  • Trekking at Bhrigu Lake
  • Mountain biking